Both hands on the wheel

Driving while smoking was both diversionary and meditative. A time to enjoy CDs I never had time to listen to otherwise. Or a time to tackle problems at work, to break down writing blocks.

I've done some good thinking while driving and smoking.

I have done some good driving, too.

Because I am good at it. A bit holier-than-thou, I acknowledge. Not afraid to punish a traffic transgressor with some tailgating and a flick of the highbeams. Meanwhile, puffing away on a smoke, maybe a coffee in the other hand, steering with my left knee - quite an unnerving sight for the hunted driver ahead of me when they catch a glimpse in the rear-view mirror.

Now, without cigarettes, driving is just another chore.

With hands at 10 and 2 o'clock, I drive around like everyone else, just trying to get to Point B as fast as I can.

There's no reason to linger on the road if I can't smoke while doing it.

In other news ...

I was starting to feel insecure when I saw blog reader Jake's recent comment:

"It only takes a week to quit smoking, and then, if you're committed, it's over. ... No need to write any more. Thanks."

Ouch.

I would be morose about my apparent irrelevancy if not for the fact that I am ahead of a growing trend. Quitting the blog now would be irresponsible.

At another newspaper in Ontario, a writer has started a quit smoking blog. Only a couple days after I wrote about a vivid post-quit dream, this blogger wrote about dreams, too.

So Jake, you see, I can't stop now. I must continue to come up with new ways to write about quitting smoking. Not only do my readers in Toronto depend on it but other bloggers' readers may depend on it, too.

Comments

[Walt]

Hey,

I quit five years ago. First year - I still dreamed about smoking. Now I occasionally do, but it's now an "aw, sh**!" kind of dream, like I backslid or something, instead of pining and waking up with a jones like you wouldn't believe for a smoke.

Time is the healer. You've insulted your body for a long time, it's going to take time to undo those insults.

Hang in. It does get better.

[Kat]

Hm, glad *you* were good at smoking and driving, because I've seen drivers that I was convinced were drinking and driving, only to notice their driving improve amazingly once a white butt was flicked out of the driver-side window. They would be weaving, not noticing red lights until the last minute, tail-gating, changing lanes without checking their blind spot... not fun to drive behind.

Some people can do it -- my dad smoked and drove, and he was an excellent driver. But a lot of people can't, and think they can.

Now, you'll be a non-smoker and even better driver.

[Luc]

I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary of quitting cigarettes.
It is important (crucial) to remember that the only people who want you to smoke are the ones who manufacture, and sell that poison. My mom never smoked, and she never wants "just one", whether it be a puff, drag, whole smoke, or carton.
The urge will pass as your body detoxifies.
You didn't become a smoker overnight, nor can you be free of the urge overnight. You can, however make the decision to move down the road, so to speak. As another person commented, the urge will come, but the urge will go. Close your eyes and ride out your next nic fit. How you feel is exactly what the tobacco companies want you to feel if you go without your (their) precious product. It's a terrible, but manageable experience. A nic fit is your brain crying for more drug.
Believe me - we all go through the "how will I ever be able to (insert verb here) again".
Then, one day, you'll realize you forgot that you want a smoke. Then, you know you'll be alright. 'Till then, hang tough, and reward yourself with something with the money you haven't spent on tobacco.

[emeline]

I am making it through day 7 (with the help of the gum occasionally), and I just came across your blog. I was laughing and agreeing with you, but then came to this post, and I felt my heart ache a little. It is by far the habits, the routine, the comfort that I miss the most...

Please keep it up! Your writing is entertaining and it helps to have a "friend" in the process.

[SE Missouri]

LOL..

Loved this one!

And don't worry! You can tell that commenter that PAWS lasts 2 YEARS!

Blog on!

:)